Dr. Jung:
“Yes, let’s stay focused on the present time. I mentioned that culture is not easy to change. However, an organization also has a climate which changes from day to day, much like one’s personal mood, unlike one’s personality, is quite variable. Both climate and mood can be altered by immediate success or failure. The stories being told and realities being created about what is happening from moment to moment in the organization can not only change the mood of people working in the organization but also change the organization’s climate.”
Mitch:
“It’s interesting. I came to our session today holding onto a mood of apprehension. By contrast, I have often come to session with a quite upbeat mood—especially when the sun is shining in Zurich and I have had a wonderful Swiss breakfast with my wife.”
Dr. Jung
“And I have often adjusted the focus of our session, depending on what I perceive to be your mood. And I’m sure that my own mood will influence the direction we take, even though we therapists are always supposed to be neutral and client focused. Much like newspapers, the therapy office is supposed to be ESTP. When my mood or the mood of my client doesn’t fit with this cultural proclivity, then there can be tension in the therapy office just as there is in the newsroom and press room.”
Mitch:
“So, what should I do as a leader to influence the climate of my organization?”
Dr. Jung
“Rather than offering my suggestions, let’s take a bit of an appreciative approach. Why don’t you tell me about moments in our organization during the past three months when you have had a positive impact on the Western Times organization.”
Mitch:
“Interesting assignment. Let me think for a minute . . . Well, there was the time last month when I brought together the employees in the press room to commend their record of continual press runs without any delays or glitches. With all the color added to our newspapers during the past year, the alignment and consistency of the color mixtures is especially critical. This was also a moment when Frank and I were feeling good about one another. It was like the good old days. Our two families had dinner together that night. Our wives spontaneously planned this event after they both found out about the success of my meeting with those in the press room.”
Dr. Jung:
“This positive event might point the way to a reconciling of you and Frank. Is there another positive instance when the climate and mood change as a result of your intervention?”
